DisplayTitle

Page Content

Phytophthora sansomeana host characterization in Michigan field crops

Austin McCoy: Michigan State University

<div><em>Phytophthora sansomeana</em> is a pathogen of soybean, corn and Douglas fir, differentiated from the <em>P. megasperma</em> complex in 2009. Since then, the pathogen has been found in eleven states, including Michigan. However, little is known about the prevalence and extent of the <em>P. sansomeana </em>host range in relation to crops in Michigan. Michigan produces a wide diversity of field crops including corn, soybean, wheat, dry bean and sugarbeet. In addition, cover crops and forage crops are grown including oats, winter rye and alfalfa. Without knowledge of host specificity, crop rotation for disease management may not be an effective means of control. Therefore, we will be examining the host range, pathogenicity and virulence of <em>P. sansomeana</em> on eight crops commonly grown in Michigan (corn, soy, wheat, dry bean, sugar beet, winter rye, oats and alfalfa) using a pathogenicity assay conducted in the growth chamber. In addition, sensitivity to mefenoxam, ethaboxam and oxathiapiprolin will be established using a high throughput assay. The combination of host range identification and fungicide sensitivities will allow us to improve management practices for <em>P. sansomeana</em> in Michigan.</div>